Wednesday, March 28, 2012

The national BSA is preparing its launch of the new Kayaking merit badge. The badge allows participants to learn skills with various forms of kayaks and various types of water conditions. Both Camp Emerald Bay and Camp Whitsett will be putting their own unique touches onto an exciting activity, giving boys the opportunity to be among the first to offer this dynamic merit badge.

SPL programs and camperships

Send your senior leaders to camp a week before your arrival and we will provide them with an intense leadership training course that prepares them to both lead your troop at camp, and also to lead your troop when you return. Each senior leader can bring a buddy for what is a truly rewarding experience in camp. Also, don't let finances prevent your boys from attending camp. Our camps each have aggressive campership opportunities to get as many boys into camp as we can. The application process is one of the simplest around. For applications to both programs you can visit www.campemeraldbay.org or www.campwhitsett.org, or send a request to camping@bsa-la.org.

WLACC High Adventure

Older boys don't have to miss summer camp simply because they don't need any more merit badges. Camps Emerald Bay and Whitsett have two top-rate High Adventure programs. At Camp Emerald Bay, participants can bike, hike, cycle, snorkel, and kayak with the Rugged Explorers. The camp offers three High Adventure SCUBA programs, including the new Rugged Rescue! In the Sequoia National Monument, participants in Camp Whitsett's Sierra programs will be able to go on treks through an unrivaled wilderness setting. Treks are available for hikes, bicycling, or horses. In addition, boys over the age of 14 can participate in the CPT program where they learn leadership through daily demanding challenges.

Don't forget your new Webelos!

One of the keys to a boy's Scouting success is getting him into summer camp immediately after he enters Boy Scouts. Both camps offer first-year camper programs to prepare him for his future in Scouting.

One of the Scout families (Edward and Robert Grimm) in Troop 391 had a devastating loss yesterday when their house caught fire and was destroyed. Luckily, their two boys were away at school and the mother was able to get out of the house safely. However, all of their belongings are a total loss.

I'm hoping that Scouters in the WLACC can provide some assistance to the family in the form of donations of equipment, or gift cards to purchase clothing and school supplies and other necessities for the family.

I know that the Scouting family has come through in the past and I'm praying that we can help a much deserving family. This is one of my most active families and these two boys are always there to help others, work at their church, and other community activities.

Donations can be turned in at the BSA office or to myself and we will see that it gets to the family as soon as possible.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

In a Gilwell field
Not so far far away
Will assemble a fine staff of trainers
From near and far
To bring you Wood Badge W4-51-12-1

A Wood Badge which will embody the spirit of Scouting

Skills will be taught
Friends will be made
Fun will be had

Join the 2012 WLACC Wood Badge course before it's too late

November 10, 11, 12, 2012
November 30, December 1, 2, 2012

Camp Josepho

Come join us

Space is limited to the first 48 Scout leaders who sign up

Wood Badge was originally presented by Lord Baden-Powell as a means of strengthening and preserving the Scouting movement throughout the world. Since its inauguration in the United States in 1948, thousands of Scouters have participated in Wood Badge and have found it a mountaintop experience in their Scouting careers. The Wood Badge is recognized world­wide as a symbol of practical training and leadership experience.

Today, Wood Badge provides leadership development. The objective of Wood Badge is to demonstrate the aims and methods of Scouting in a practical way and to develop Scout spirit through a program of activities. You will live Scouting and be exposed to the application of leadership and Scouting skills as they are applied in the development of leaders and youth.

This year Scouts will be placing flags on the graves of our veterans at the Los Angeles National Cemetery in West Los Angeles, 950 S. Sepulveda Blvd.

Parking is located in the Veterans Administration Facilities located through a tunnel on Constitution Avenue. This is the same location as last year.

The opening ceremonies will begin at 8:00am on Saturday morning. We encourage units to arrive by 7:30am, at the latest to provide enough time for check-in. Check-in will open at 7:00am. All units must check-in Saturday morning at the check-in table. Units that pre-register online will have expedited check-in and patch check-out.